Research on green development strategy of logistics packaging based on corporate social responsibility: an evolutionary game analysis

The promotion of green packaging production and consumption represents a viable strategy for the logistics industry to mitigate carbon emissions and achieve sustainable development. However, previous research has overlooked the inherent interdependence and interconnectedness of the packaging decision-making process within the realms of manufacturing and marketing. This study aims to investigate the impact of logistics companies’ social responsibility on the development of green packaging. Additionally, it seeks to identify a viable approach to facilitate the transition of the system toward an optimal state. To achieve these objectives, a game-theoretic model is developed, which involves package suppliers and logistics enterprises and is grounded in the theory of corporate social responsibility. This study extensively examines the impact of critical variables on the evolutionary stabilization strategy. Ultimately, a comprehensive examination of an arithmetic example is conducted through the utilization of simulation techniques. Results indicate that (1) the fulfillment of social responsibility by logistics enterprises not only motivates package suppliers to provide environmentally friendly packaging but also contributes to the improvement of consumer surplus. (2) The level of greenness of packaging is either too high or too low to incentivize package suppliers and logistics enterprises to adopt environmentally friendly practices. (3) Increasing internal penalties in the supply chain helps to constrain the opportunistic behavior of package suppliers and logistics companies. The findings provide theoretical guidance for the logistics industry's ecological development. It aids the government in formulating scientific regulatory policies and encourages businesses in the supply chain to make environmentally responsible choices.